650 million reasons to drink water

Posted by

WaterAid Australia

on

19 February 2016

WaterAid’s Water Challenge helps close the gap on world water inequality.

Coinciding with World Water Day on 22 March 2016, WaterAid Australia is challenging Australians to take the Water Challenge to improve their health and help raise money to provide lifesaving, safe water in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Safe water is essential for life and good health, yet 650 million people worldwide don’t have access to it.

This March, Australians can either choose to Drink Just Water for 14 or 3o days, or get active and Walk For Water, between 14th and 20th March.

WaterAid Australia was established in 2004 and has been working to transform lives in the Asia Pacific region for over 10 years, in particular Timor- Leste, Papua New Guinea, Cambodia, Solomon Islands and Myanmar.

“The Water Challenge is a terrific opportunity for people to get healthy and support WaterAid in transforming the lives of the poorest and most marginalised people in the world by improving their access to clean and safe water, sanitation and hygiene,” said WaterAid Australia Chief Executive Paul Nichols.

The Water Challenge aims to highlight awareness of the global inequality for safe water sources, sanitation and hygiene in developing nations – where one in ten people do not have access to safe, clean water, and many women and children walk approximately 10,000 steps each day to collect water. Water and sanitation underpin health, education and livelihoods, and yet hundreds of millions of people in developing nations across the world are living without these basic human rights.

“Water is essential for life and good health, and by choosing only water as your beverage or setting your personal walking challenge, you will also help to improve your health, cut down on unnecessary sugar found in common drinks and help provide lifesaving safe water to others in need,” said model and WaterAid supporter Elyse Knowles.

Fundraising from WaterAid’s Water Challenge will go towards working with local partners to set up practical and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene solutions that meet the real needs of the poorest and most marginalised communities. As little as $70 will help provide a child safe, clean water in an accessible location, allowing them to avoid life-threatening illness and giving them the time to attend school.

It is free to register for the Water Challenge (sign up at www.waterchallenge.org.au) and choose your challenge; Drink Just Water or Walk For Water.